What’s it like to stay in one of the most eco-friendly flats in the country? Exhausting, says our writer who stayed the weekend

Slideshow: Greenhouse, Leeds

Greenhouse, in Leeds, has been billed as the most eco-friendly block of flats in Britain

Photograph: Handout

It has been billed as the most environmentally friendly block of flats in
Britain. Greenhouse, a seven-storey development in Leeds, emits 45% less
carbon than stipulated under the latest building regulations, which came
into force at the start of October. It draws water from an aquifer more than
250ft below ground and uses solar thermal panels on the roof to heat the
water.

When the government finally decides on its precise definition of a “negative
carbon” scheme — that is, a building that produces or offsets more energy
than it uses — Greenhouse could be one of the first developments in line to
get the stamp of approval.

The building might have a clutch of sustainability awards, even a special one
for its insulation, but what is it like to live there? Equipped with an
overnight bag and visions of self-composting lavatories and windows that
won’t open, I boarded a train to